Quan Jiu considered herself fortunate. Although her parents had passed away when she was two, she had her grandmother's gentle love and affection.
Despite being born in the countryside, she possessed exceptional beauty and a sharp intellect. Whether studying in town or later transferring to the city, she was the most radiant presence in school, like a star surrounded by a galaxy of admirers.
From childhood, she received countless gifts. Female classmates also liked her for her good nature, her cheerful and lively personality.
Whenever she stood before the mirror, she thanked her parents, who had passed too soon, for her beauty and intelligence.
Indeed, at a young age, she understood the absolute advantage her appearance gave her. The confidence her looks provided compensated for the lack of self-esteem stemming from her parents' absence. Coupled with her grandmother's cultivation of her painting and embroidery skills, she knew she was far superior to her peers, which gave her a great sense of accomplishment.
Thus, at the age of twelve, she set her sights on a man who was equally striking in appearance, clearly from a wealthy background, but ten years her senior.
It was her twelfth birthday. She knew her family was not wealthy, and she knew that if she asked, countless cakes would be sent her way. But for her birthday cake, she didn't want to ask.
She gazed quietly at the strawberry mousse cake in the display window, which looked incredibly tempting. She swallowed, about to turn away, when she saw a particularly handsome older man enter the cake shop.
From that moment on, her heart began to race uncontrollably. Almost instantly, she developed the desire to possess that man.
Her grandmother had always told her that if you desired something, you must strive for it, or you would never have the chance to obtain it. Her grandmother also said that she possessed charming assets; she was beautiful and intelligent.
Twelve-year-old Quan Jiu didn't understand love, but she liked the handsome stranger immensely, perhaps as much as she liked the strawberry mousse cake in the display.
He was so handsome, with such an outstanding aura, like a prince from a fairy tale. Although he seemed a bit taciturn, that was precisely what attracted her. She was accustomed to eagerness, to people who could readily utter pleasantries, and while she didn't show it, she inwardly disdained them.
His aloof, unapproachable demeanor precisely ignited her hunting instinct.
She looked at him openly. He was tall, and she barely reached his waist. She made no attempt to hide her attention, and as expected, he looked at her.
Perhaps it was the significant age difference, but she could tell that in his eyes, she was still just a child who hadn't grown up.
"Is it your birthday today too? What a coincidence, it's my twelfth birthday today as well. It's a shame I don't have a cake," she pouted, her beautiful eyes filled with longing and the disappointment of not being able to have what she wanted.
He perhaps understood her hint, as he smiled faintly. It was fleeting, like a fleeting blossom, but it was etched into Quan Jiu's heart.
At that moment, she became even more convinced that she had to have this man.
His smile was truly beautiful.
As expected, the older man bought her a cake.
Quan Jiu was adept at seizing opportunities. It was the weekend, and she, carrying the cake, stuck to the older man like a piece of sticky plaster.
"Where are you going? The cake you gave me is too big for me to eat alone, let's eat it together."
The older man reverted to his usual cold demeanor.
Quan Jiu had never been treated with indifference before, and this ignited her competitive spirit. She did not retreat due to his coldness; instead, she became more determined.
"Older brother, can you give me a phone number? I'll pay you back later. Grandma says, 'No reward without merit.'"
The older man still said nothing and quickened his pace, as if eager to shake her off.
Seeing a small ditch ahead, Quan Jiu had a flash of inspiration and, quite unfortunately, stepped into it, falling face-first into the mud. She only let out a small cry, and the hurrying figure ahead stopped.
She opened her large, watery eyes. Although they were filled with tears, she didn't cry. Instead, she grinned, "It's okay, it doesn't hurt."
She staggered to her feet, deliberately scraping her knee on the cement ground, successfully breaking the skin, which was as small as a pea.
She skipped over with a grin, took his broad palm without any preamble, tilted her head back, and said expectantly, "Will you eat cake with me? I don't want to eat it alone; it makes me feel a bit pathetic."
The older man's brow furrowed slightly. Seeing the wound on her knee, he seemed annoyed, but he didn't let go of her hand. Instead, he led her into a nearby pharmacy for a simple disinfection.
After leaving the pharmacy, the older man asked her faintly, "Why were you eating cake alone?"
His voice was pleasant, exceptionally pleasant, a little cool, a little deep, giving the impression of being unapproachable, yet his words conveyed concern.
Quan Jiu pouted dismissively, "It's nothing. My parents passed away when I was two. Anyway, I don't remember them, and I don't miss them. I only need my grandmother."
Her words finally succeeded in making the older man sit down and eat cake with her.
They sat in a small park. The sun was just right, and its rays filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting a warm glow.
The cake was sweet and soft. Quan Jiu was incredibly happy, her mouth full of cake. She smiled, her voice sweeter than the cake, "Older brother, do you have tissues?"
The older man paused for a moment before taking out a handkerchief and handing it to her.
She didn't take it. Instead, she leaned in adorably, pouting as if waiting to be served.
Perhaps out of pity for her lack of parents, or perhaps thinking she was still a child, the older man hesitated for a moment before finally raising his hand and gently wiping the cake from the corner of her mouth.
The handkerchief had a pleasant scent, completely different from the sweaty boys she knew. Quan Jiu sniffed lightly and sweetly asked, "Older brother, what laundry detergent do you use? Why does it smell so good?"
The older man put away the handkerchief and did not answer, but rather urged her, "Eat quickly."
Quan Jiu obediently said "Mm," and ate half the cake. She carefully packed the remaining half, "I'm going to take this back for Grandma to eat. Grandma loves sweets, just like me."
The older man, perhaps believing his task was complete, stood up to leave.
Quan Jiu quickly picked up the cake box and trotted carefully behind him. She knew there was a university near the cake shop, and if nothing unexpected happened, the older man was likely a student there.
As expected, she followed the older man to A University.
The older man walked directly into A University. Without a second thought, she tried to follow, only to be stopped by the gatekeeper.
"Brother," Quan Jiu looked helplessly at the receding figure.
The older man looked back at her. Perhaps her appearance was too pitiful, and there was a hint of helplessness in his coldness. He finally walked back, took her small hand, and said to the gatekeeper, "My sister."
Quan Jiu beamed. Relying on her exceptional ability to charm people, she pestered the older man into giving her a tour of A University and, using her birthday as an excuse, had him take many photos of her.
She later learned that this seemingly cold but actually soft-hearted older man was named Chu Rong.
At that time, she vowed that she would marry him in the future.